Budget Speech

Rating System

180. The rating system in Hong Kong has not undergone any major change since 1995.  To ensure that our rating system could keep pace with the times, I have requested the FSTB and the Rating and Valuation Department to review whether there is any room for improvement in respect of the rating system.  We will review the case for introducing a progressive element to the rating system and that for providing rates concession to owner-occupied properties on a regular basis.  Furthermore, we will consider shifting the primary liability for rates payment from the occupier to the owner of a property to reflect that the ultimate responsibility with regard to a property should rest with its owner.  The Government will consult the relevant LegCo panel on whether and how to revise the rating system.